JANE N. SLATER

508-645-3378

(slaterjn@comcast.net)

Chilmark turned out on Monday to attend the funeral services for Mildred Cushman Mayhew at Abel’s Hill Cemetery. She was a beloved member of the community for most of her 97 years. Mildred came to Chilmark to teach at the Menemsha School and, before long, she married Chilmarker, E. Eliott Mayhew and settled in Chilmark to raise their family. Her son, Ted, and daughter, Carol Mays, and their children and grandchildren survive her. She enjoyed keeping track of the lives of her many students and they valued their visits with her. She was always active in town affairs and served as a library trustee and on many other committees over the years. I remember seeing her at Menemsha Beach in the summer swimming long distances with ease. In later years she could be spotted taking long walks around town. It is remarkable that I can write this in honor of my first grade teacher. I will miss her wise comments on current events and town activities and I am very glad she had such a long and healthy life. We will all miss her always.

Town meeting went off without a hitch. Approximately 150 people were there and in an agreeable mood as they wrapped up the warrant in one hour. We all said a sad goodbye to our outgoing selectman, Frank Fenner. He was honored the next day at a luncheon at the town hall where his coworkers sent him off to retirement in style.

Chilmark voted on Wednesday. We were greeted in the morning with signs around town asking us to write in Alan Porter for selectman. Bill Rossi was the candidate on the ballot and the winner, but Alan is well known around town and a faithful member of the volunteer fire department. It is always heartening to see people aspire to work for our town.

There will be a Shellfish Extravaganza tomorrow night, April 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Chilmark Community Center. It is a dance with a silent auction for the benefit of the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group. Johnny Hoy will provide the live music and light food and drinks will be served. Tickets are $20 at the door.

Please note that on Sunday, April 29, there will be a memorial gathering to remember Amanda Hutchinson at the Chilmark Community Center. Friends and family will share pictures and memories and friendships.

Bill Vincent came this week to open the family home on South Road for the season. His daughter, Katie, and her husband, Nick Persons, will join him at the house this weekend. The families come from Niskayuna, N.Y.

Betsy Larsen has re-opened her landmark fish market for another season in Menemsha. She opened on Thursday, April 25. Other shop and restaurant openings to follow.

The new Beetlebung Coffee House will open on May 1 on Basin Road. The Galley around the corner will open on May 17 and the Bite on Basin Road will open on May 18. No dates in yet for the Chilmark Store, the Menemsha Market or the Tavern. Hopefully, I will have them for you next week. The Harbor Craft Shop and Over South Antiques seem to be open on nice days, mid day, until things get livelier in Menemsha. The Copper Works is open daily.

Terry Meinelt spent part of the April vacation week at his home on South Road and visiting with his dad, Ted Meinelt.

The Spring/Summer Home & and Garden edition of Martha’s Vineyard Magazine is out and features the work of Bill Meegan of Chilmark. It showcases three guesthouses he has built, all considered exceptional. Cheers to you, Bill, we are happy your work is being recognized.

The spring meeting of the Women’s Symposium is on May 5 at the Community Center from 9 a.m. to noon. The subject will be Leaps and Bounds. There will be speakers, discussions and refreshments. Donations help to defray the costs of this popular event.